After two months of roughing it out, backpacking across five countries around Asia, we decided on a grand staycation in Manila before going back to the humdrum of our daily lives. And our chosen hotel for our mini-reunion of sorts with the gang from TeamRH, the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria.

HOLIDAY INN’S WAITING AREA NEAR THE LOBBY

SECOND FLOOR LOUNGE

Granted, it may not be as grand as other hotels we’ve stayed at in the metro, but nothing can beat Holiday Inn’s location. It sits right beside Robinsons Galleria and it’s just a few minutes walk away from Megamall. Our favorite watering hole (with videoke) is also just five minutes by foot.

I was actually quite surprised to find the lobby brimming with guests as we checked in, from what I can gather, overseas Filipino workers with their family in tow. While waiting for our reservations to be confirmed, I admired the bahay na batocapiz-window inspired décor of the reception desk. It fitted quite well with the classic-modern look of the lobby.

WOOD-PANELLED HALLWAYS

After a few minutes, we were led to our suite at the 12th floor of the hotel. The heavily trimmed wood panels of the dimly lit hallways were a clue as to how our room would look. And my assumptions weren’t that far off.

TWO BEDROOM SUITE LIVING AND DINING AREA

We were billeted at Holiday Inn Manila’s Two-Bedroom Suite[CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY], and it was absolutely huge. The carpeted living area, mini-kitchen and dining hall are set on an open-plan layout, with the two bedrooms located on one side of the suite.

MASTER’S BEDROOM

Each bedroom has a king-sized bed, huge flatscreen cable televisions, sofas, vanity table, closet and the works. Yes, fast Wi-Fi too (free, depending on the type of room you’re staying at). The master’s bedroom has its own monster toilet & bath while the other room shares a bathroom with the living area.

THE SECOND BEDROOM

The interiors were decorated in classic tones, which wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I guess this appeals well to more mature guests. To be fair though, everything was tastefully done, from the trims, the colors and the furniture. It reminds me somehow of the Sheraton Imperial in Kuala Lumpur.

We were seven in the group at the time, but the room was still more than enough for the whole gang. Our initial plan of going out for a drinking binge at Metrowalk was soon thrown out the window. We decided right then to have our party right inside our room.

FOODTRIP ALONG ORTIGAS AREA

After a dinner feast at Chelsea Kitchen in Megamall and desserts at 7 Corners Gelato in Robinsons Galleria, we proceeded to the 7-Eleven in front of our hotel for our booze. I love how everything’s within reach of our hotel!

FAB RESTAURANT BREAKFAST BUFFET

The next morning, still groggy from sleep (or lack of it), we trooped down to the Fab Restaurant, Holiday Inn’s in-house restaurant for their buffet breakfast (complimentary, depending on room type). The place, as expected from the crowd we met at the lobby during check in, was packed.

MAKE YOUR OWN LUGAW

CRISPY BACONS!!!

Still, we were able to secure a place quite quickly and were soon raiding their breakfast offerings. And what an offering they have! From the usual sausages, omelets, noodles and Filipino favorites like adobo to champorado (sweet chocolate rice porridge) and lugaw (rice porridge). And of course, very crispy bacons! Happiness! ~ OUR STAY WAS SPONSORED BY OUR FRIENDS FROM HOLIDAY INN MANILA. VIEWS AND OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.